Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master's in School Counseling Programs

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Updated February 1, 2024

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

Many top online master's in school counseling programs hold accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP).

CACREP-accredited counseling programs undergo regular reviews to ensure they meet academic quality standards and adequately prepare students for licensure. Explore our rankings list of the best online CACREP-accredited school counseling programs, and learn about admissions requirements.

Popular Online Counseling Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master's in School Counseling Programs

View our ranking methodology.

#1 Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

  • Raleigh, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $526

Out-of-State | $1,635

Credits to Graduate: 60

The online, CACREP-accredited master's in school counseling at North Carolina State University focuses on K-12 developmental theory and preventative interventions. Core coursework, primarily delivered asynchronously, explores clinical counseling practice and theory. Students complete field experiences in North Carolina schools, and graduates qualify for professional licensure in North Carolina.

Online study is part-time and takes three years to finish. The cohort program meets year-round. Some courses require on-campus attendance during the final year. Each applicant must submit transcripts, a resume, and three recommendation letters.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,535
Out-of-state
$27,320
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,095
Out-of-state
$27,082
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
47%
Students Enrolled
36,831
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

William & Mary

  • Williamsburg, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $725

Credits to Graduate: 60

The CACREP-accredited counseling program at William & Mary awards a master's in school counseling that students can complete online in three years. The licensure-focused program emphasizes social justice and educational equity in public and private schools. In addition to online coursework, each distance learner completes two three-day residencies to prepare for practicums and internships in K-12 schools.

Admission requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Applicants must submit transcripts, a resume, a personal essay, and three letters of recommendation.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,434
Out-of-state
$40,089
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,516
Out-of-state
$28,305
Retention Rate
93%
Acceptance Rate
37%
Students Enrolled
9,517
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
25% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Wake Forest University

  • Winston-Salem, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $1,650

Credits to Graduate: 60

Wake Forest University's online master's in school counseling allows graduates to pursue North Carolina licensure and careers working with K-12 students. The part-time program requires two three-day residencies on campus for evaluations and experiential group activities, along with preparation for practicum experiences and internships. 

Courses include counseling children, issues in school counseling, and school guidance and counseling.

Applicants do not need a particular major or minor or a teaching license to qualify. The admissions department considers GPAs, recommendations, personal interviews, and professional or volunteer experience in human services. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$58,708
Out-of-state
$58,708
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$38,650
Out-of-state
$38,650
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
25%
Students Enrolled
8,947
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
16% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#4 Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Regent University

  • Virginia Beach, VA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $730

Credits to Graduate: 60+

The CACREP-accredited counseling program at Regent University confers a master's in school counseling. This online program includes two one-week on-campus residencies and hands-on field experience. The curriculum is grounded in a Christian worldview and meets Virginia professional counseling standards.

Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school and a 3.0 GPA. Regent prefers applicants with degrees in counseling, psychology, or other human behavior fields but considers candidates from other fields.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$17,220
Out-of-state
$17,220
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$15,590
Out-of-state
$15,590
Retention Rate
74%
Acceptance Rate
41%
Students Enrolled
10,330
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
93% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

University of Denver

  • Denver, CO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $1,034

Credits to Graduate: 90 quarter credits

University of Denver's online school counseling master's degree takes as few as 24 months to complete with full-time study. This program also offers a part-time track. The curriculum trains preK-12 counselors and emphasizes data-driven practice methods, self-reflection, and social justice. 

Students take live weekly classes and can access online coursework and support 24/7. Each distance learner completes 300 practicum hours and 700 internship hours at local schools, consisting of direct and indirect practice experience. 

To qualify, applicants need a bachelor's degree with a 2.5 GPA.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$53,640
Out-of-state
$53,640
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$53,640
Out-of-state
$53,640
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
64%
Students Enrolled
14,130
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
40% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#6 Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

East Carolina University

  • Greenville, NC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $290

Out-of-State | $1,020

Credits to Graduate: 60

East Carolina University offers an online school counseling master's degree that meets North Carolina licensure and certification standards. Applicants from other states should check with their licensing boards. The curriculum includes school counseling and developmental counseling courses, a juvenile delinquency seminar, and internship and practicum placements at approved sites.

Applicants need a bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum 2.75 GPA. The department seeks applicants with leadership, volunteer, or work experience in human services or student teaching.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,452
Out-of-state
$20,729
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,749
Out-of-state
$17,898
Retention Rate
81%
Acceptance Rate
94%
Students Enrolled
28,021
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
74% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#7 Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Oregon State University

  • Corvallis, OR
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $590

Credits to Graduate: 90 quarter credits

The CACREP-accredited counseling program at Oregon State University offers a master's in school counseling in a part-time, hybrid format. Designed for Oregon and Washington residents, the curriculum features 50% online classes and 50% on-campus meetings over two weekends per term. Internship and practicum experiences include some synchronous online courses.

The program trains graduates to deliver comprehensive school counseling services and increase college attendance among underrepresented groups. Admission requirements include a bachelor's degree, a 3.0 GPA, and three recommendation letters.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$10,065
Out-of-state
$29,456
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,446
Out-of-state
$27,297
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
89%
Students Enrolled
33,193
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
52% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

#8 Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

Missouri Baptist University

  • Saint Louis, MO
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $745

Credits to Graduate: 45-54

Missouri Baptist University's online master's in school counseling prepares students for Missouri K-12 school counseling certification. The Christian program takes two years, even for full-time working adults. Coursework includes child and adolescent counseling, crisis/substance abuse counseling, foundations of school counseling, and school counseling implementation and leadership. Graduation requirements include 400 supervised practicum and internship hours. State certification requirements include a professional counseling portfolio. 

Each candidate must complete an online application and contact the Online and Graduate Enrollment Services office for admission guidance.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$29,076
Out-of-state
$29,076
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$10,670
Out-of-state
$10,670
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
4,983
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
33% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#9 Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

University of Louisiana at Monroe

  • Monroe, LA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $500

Credits to Graduate: 60

Students at the University of Louisiana at Monroe can earn a master's in school counseling through 100% online delivery. Courses combine synchronous and asynchronous material with no required campus residencies. Learners study in cohorts through full-time or part-time enrollment. 

School counseling courses include career counseling, group counseling in schools, and school assessment and psychometrics. Each applicant must possess one of the following: a 3.5 graduate GPA, a 2.75 undergraduate GPA, or a minimum 2.74 GPA and GRE scores of at least 300. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$5,788
Out-of-state
$17,888
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$6,490
Out-of-state
$18,590
Retention Rate
69%
Acceptance Rate
70%
Students Enrolled
8,718
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
53% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#10 Best CACREP-Accredited Online Master’s in School Counseling Programs

University of Mary

  • Bismarck, ND
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs 

Cost per Credit: $610

Credits to Graduate: 60

University of Mary features a school counseling master's program that offers an accelerated 20-month track and a 32-month extended pathway. The curriculum prepares graduates for licensure and credentials in North Dakota. Students seeking licensing in other states should contact the school's admission department for guidance.

ACCESS Grants can help school counseling students afford tuition and expenses, including a weeklong on-campus residency. The program accepts students with academic, military, or career experience.  

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$18,340
Out-of-state
$18,340
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$12,244
Out-of-state
$12,244
Retention Rate
77%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Students Enrolled
3,794
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
45% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

Applying to a CACREP-Accredited Online Master's in School Counseling Program

The best CACREP-accredited school counseling master's programs typically require a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a 2.5-3.0 GPA.

Additional criteria may include:

  • Undergraduate majors in counseling, psychology, or related fields
  • Academic transcripts from undergraduate study and, if applicable, graduate work
  • A resume or CV
  • Recommendations (usually three) from professors and employers
  • Personal essays
  • Faculty interviews
  • Professional or volunteer experience in human services or teaching
  • Minimum GRE scores for some programs

Some programs may make the GRE optional or waive the requirement for applicants with higher than the minimum GPA.

Frequently Asked Questions About CACREP-Accredited Master's in School Counseling

Why is Accreditation Important in Counseling?

CACREP accreditation signifies that the counseling degree program has undergone rigorous evaluation, prepares graduates to apply for state licensure, and follows professional counseling standards of practice.

CACREP accreditation assures students that the program meets academic and career preparation quality standards. Many employers and state licensure boards require new counselors to have graduated from CACREP-accredited programs. Be sure to check with your state licensing board to confirm the specific requirements for your state.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $60,140 for school and career counselors, with compensation ranging from $38,280- $98,530. K-12 school counselors earn a slightly higher median annual salary of $65,930.

According to Payscale data from November 2023, school counselors surveyed cited heavy workloads, challenging students, and a lack of access to resources as stressors. But they also listed many positive aspects of the job. Overall, school counselors were highly satisfied with their jobs, rating it a 3.8 out of 5.

In addition to becoming school counselors, graduates of a master's in counseling can work as career counselors, marriage and family counselors, mental health counselors, substance use counselors, and therapists. Counselors and therapists work in healthcare facilities, private practice, and government agencies.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Best Counseling Degrees. Page last reviewed January 29, 2024.

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